That notwithstanding, Puerto Rico wants to cut combustible fuel usage, and to encourage its citizens to do so, has just added to existing excise tax breaks for the purchase of a hybrid or all-electric vehicle.

The new law signed by Gov. Luis G. Fortuno grants a rebate on the excise tax that’s a good deal for hybrids, and a better one for less fuel-consuming electric vehicles (EVs).

Under the new rules, previous excise tax refunds of up to $2,000 have been increased. For a one-year period beginning July 1, up to 65 percent of excise tax reimbursement is being offered for hybrids – up to a maximum of $8,000 – and through 2016 for EVs a 100-percent excise tax exemption is offered.

The hybrid offer beginning July 1 is reduced progressively for subsequent year. After July 1, 2013, the hybrid excise tax break is cut to 50-percent maximum, not to exceed $6,000 for the period through July 1, 2014. Following this, the excise tax break in successive years is cut to a maximum of 40 percent, not to exceed $4,000, and then a maximum of 20 percent, not to exceed $2,000.